The prevalence of tinnitus in China: a systematic review of the literature

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to identify reports of the prevalence of tinnitus in China and to present these findings in a review format. METHOD: This study assessed and collated published prevalence estimates of tinnitus and tinnitus severity, creating a narrative synthesis of the data from publications identified from a combination of Chinese and English language databases. RESULTS: A total of 23 studies were included. Tinnitus prevalence ranged from 4.3 per cent to 51.33 per cent but varied with age and gender. The highest increase in prevalence from previous decade in age occurs during the fifth and sixth decades, and the highest prevalence was in the seventh decade at 32.47 per cent. There is also evidence that tinnitus prevalence is related to certain risk factors including comorbid disorders. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of tinnitus in mainland China in this study is consistent with global data. With increasing awareness of the prevalence of tinnitus in China, the development of epidemiological standards is a priority.